RE EXAM BEST

How do people demonstrate the potential to love justly?

How do people demonstrate the potential to love justly?

- human experience shows that everyone likes to be treated fairly and justly

- People can become very annoyed/upset when they see injustices/get treated unfairly

- From when they are very young, people show a basic sense of fairness, even if it is self-interest that motivates their actions.

- this potential to love justly can also be seen as they mature where there is a growing concern that others are being treated fairly

- every day egs of people showing concern for justice are displayed through newspapers, tvs, magazines etc,

- just love develops by practise as people seek opportunities to provide for other members of the human family

How is this potential to love justly part of human nature as God created it?

- God originally created human nature with the potential to love justly

- they can feel guilty if they do something they know is unjust, especially if someone else finds out. They feel this guilt because God has created human nature to be just

How do people seek to foster justice in society?

- people are treated unfairly because of their colour, race, opinion, gender or religious beliefs.

- mature people become concerned at this unfairness, and try to do whatever they can to bring about change such as joining organisations that for eg. protect rights of Aboriginals

- some result to violence and wars

- through forms of justice systems (ie. courts/leaders)

How is Justice a sign of true love?

- Justice is a basic human value. It is a feature of truly human love, a love that is concerned for the good of others.

- we can seek justice through love, both are directly linked

- when we exercise justice, we desire the best for everyone just as we love, we want to care for everyone

- The development of such love is one sign of real maturity

- Justice also helps develop:

1. concern for the rights of the Creator (people become aware of their dependence on God)

2. the growing ability to love others as members of the human family.

Why is it important that all people are considered to be members of the human family?

- Part of growing into a mature human person and developing just love is to learn to recognise that all people belong to the same human family.

- this means recognising and accepting each member of the human race as someone who is loved personally by God

- also means looking beyond appearances and to look the similar human characteristics they share (ie. their needs, hopes, disappointments)

Where do people learn to love justly?

-people need to be able to be concerned for those they know before being concerned for others they dont

- Young people can learn about how to treat other members of the human family from the experience of life within their own families

- people show they learnt that all apart of a human family when they ensure that the needs of their own family members are met

How does it feel to love justly?

- when people show just love, they find themselves becoming happier as they're glad they've done the right thing

- not only do they find themselves 'feeling good' but their sense of justice gradually matures

- when people realise that they have ignored others' rights, it is natural for them to feel guilty. It reminds them that it is in human nature to be just

How can just love lead to peace?

- people realise that there cannot be true peace without justice as they recognise that injustices only leads to tense situations and violence

- people being mistreated often become hateful to the person who was mistreating them (causes wars, protests etc.)

- people know that peace is not simply the absence of war or conflict. It requires trust and good will between people.

- In order for there to be peace, each person must love and recognise the rights of others to become the good-willed world God desired, but this is often easily disrupted by selfishness

What are some examples of people behaving unjustly?

- within their families: fights particularly between siblings, more serious injustices such as consisting ridiculing and reminding a family member of their past mistakes and includes failing to forgive or blaming others for wrong doing

- within the wider society: treating others unfairly either by direct action such as stealing or indirect action such as ignoring the needs of others,

- between nations: eg. powerful nations dominate others economically, nations dominated militarily by others, billions of people suffer poverty and hunger

- against God: take God for granted + do not draw upon his blessings nor relate with him

How does the failure to recognise disunity in the human family cause injustices in the world?

- Injustices in today's world are often due to people's failure to recognise others as persons

- eg. employers seeing workers only in what they produce, govt making decisions without thinking how it will affect the community, racism, religious prejudices

- when people do not accept others for who they are, people become mistreated and society cannot operate in harmony

What was the original state of justice?

- Originally, God created a just world

- The state of "original holiness and justice" was meant to include four harmonious relationships where people were created to be in:

harmony with God

harmony within themselves

harmony with each other

harmony with the rest of creation.

Harmony with God

- people were created to live in a harmonious relationship and owe obedience to their Creator who is more powerful than any force on earth or in the universe + whom they depend on

- complete happiness will only occur when they develop fully this relationship with God through prayer, worship etc.

Harmony within themselves

- flowing from their peace with God, people are able to enjoy harmony within themselves.

- by drawing fully on God's guidance people today are able to experience inner peace and personal direction in their lives

- by drawing on God's strength people are empowered to resist temptations.

- 'Love yourself' means loving yourself as God loves you. It does not mean 'be selfish' or 'self-centred'

- to model oneself on the model that God gave us in Jesus, the perfect human who lived in total inner harmony

Harmony with each other

- people with inner peace, or people who are at peace with themselves, also tend to be peaceful towards others

- Jesus taught his followers to imitate God's mercy by being merciful in turn

- Only love brings harmony and peace between people.

- on the other hand, people angry/upset with themselves, they tend to be angry and upset with others.

- by seeing the goodness and likeness of God in each other they are able to see each other totally as human persons and to love each other.

Harmony with the rest of creation

- The first parents were created in God's image and likeness (Genesis 1:26).

- They appreciated creation for its goodness and continued as partners with God in the development of creation, as people are called to do today.

What is original sin?

- original sin occurred when the first parents of Adam and Eve disobeyed God and hence destroyed their relationship with Him

- It is because of this original sin that people today experience personal confusion, emotional conflicts, guilt and inner struggles. (Bullying, violence, war, hunger, addictions etc.)

How did original sin destroy the state of original justice?

- when the harmony between the first parents and God was destroyed, it in turn damaged the other three harmonious relationships

- this is because all love and harmony flows from the love and harmony we must share with God, hence if there is no relationship with God, people are not able to be at peace with themselves, others or creation

- The cause of all injustices is human sinfulness

What is the Catholic understanding of justification?

- to restore justice in the world, God needed to save people from sinfulness and disharmony

- 'Justification' restores the relationship between the Creator and the human race.

- There are two aspects:

1. people are forgiven and saved from sin through the grace of the Holy Spirit (destruction of original sin)

2. people are sanctified, that is, they receive a share in the very life of God. (restoration of their relationship with Him)

- by offering his life to God as a life full of obedience and submission to Him, Jesus justified humanity

- the climax of his self-offering was his death

- justification is a free gift from God which humans have done nothing to deserve

What sacrament makes it possible for believers to share in a relationship with God?

- by instituting Baptism Jesus made it possible for all who believe in him to accept forgiveness and to share in his relationship with God his father.

The Holy Spirit dwells within people and heals their relationship with God by:

- empowering the baptised person to relate to God and turn from sin

- help them to overcome weaknesses leading to sin

- giving the spiritual gifts a person needs to deepen in relationship with God (faith, hope, charity)

- freeing people from influences which can dominate the will or tempt them to ignore their conscience.

- people must develop their baptismal graces and not neglect them to experience God's grace in their lives

What is meant by 'grace' and 'the state of grace'?

- The gift for God's self- communication in relationship with people and the help God gives to grow in that relationship is called 'grace'.

- Every gift of God is a 'grace' freely given and without obligation (other egs= the spiritual gifts through sacraments)

- 'state of grace' means that a person has a living relationship with God which they lose by committing mortal sin.

- People need to die in the state of grace to enter heaven.

How can people be empowered by God to promote a just world?

- through the grace of the Holy Spirit, God empowers followers of Jesus to help restore the harmony between humans and between humans and the rest of creation

- as they work to do this, they also find the answer to the HHQ 'How can lasting justice be promoted in the world today?'

In what ways did Jesus restore God's original state of justice?

He did this in two ways:

1. he restored the relationship of the human race with God.

2. by his own example, he answered the question: 'How can justice be promoted in the world today?'

- Jesus shares the HS with those who follow him, telling them to live the two "Great Commandments" and tell others about them

Commandments related to being in harmony with God

1st- I am the Lord your God, you shall not have strange Gods before me

2nd- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain

3rd- Keep holy the Lord's Day

4th- Honour your mother and father

Example of a Commandment that relates to harmony with God (1)

1st- I am the Lord your God, you shall not have strange Gods before me :

- deepens faith (strengthens belief in God and God's teachings)

- deepens hope (strengthens trust in God's promises)

- deepens charity (empowers a baptised person to love God and all those God loves ie humanity)

- also calls Christians to adore God who they depend on, pray, acknowledge God as Creator

- forbids refusing to believe in God (atheism), ignoring Him + activities that damage a person's relationship with God (ie, superstition)

Example of a Commandment that relates to harmony with God (2)

2nd- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain:

- calls people to respect the names of God, Jesus,Virgin Mary, and the saints so as to strengthen rather than weaken their relationship

- forbids swearing or using their names disrespectfully, lying under oath or blasphemy

Example of a Commandment that relates to harmony with God (3)

3rd- Keep holy the Lord's Day

- A person's relationship with God deepens as they give the Sabbath to God.

- calls people to dedicate each Sunday of the week to God by worshipping, taking rest/leisure, engaging in good works

- forbids failing to worship God • unnecessary work on Sundays • not taking time for good works

Commandments related to being in harmony within themselves

3rd- Keep Holy the Lord's Day

4th- Honour your father and mother

5th commandment- You shall not kill

6th- You shall not commit adultery

9th- You shall not covet your neighbour's wife

10th- You shall not covet your neighbour's goods

Example of a Commandment that relates to harmony within themselves (1)

3rd- Keep Holy the Lord's Day

- Adequate rest, leisure and recreation are needed for harmony within

- this commandment makes Sunday the day to refresh

- Growing levels of stress, emotional exhaustion, physical tiredness and inner conflict weaken harmony within a person

Example of a Commandment that relates to harmony within themselves (2)

6th- You shall not commit adultery

- calls people to develop chastity, the virtue that gives people the freedom to govern their passions

- Chastity strengthens against sexual feelings that may grow so strong that people are stirred to violate God's laws and their consciences

- forbids: pre-marital sex, homosexual actions, pornography or deliberate masturbation.

Example of a Commandment that relates to harmony within themselves (3)

5th commandment- You shall not kill

- Inner harmony grows with inner peace and good health. it calls people to:

• love enemies and those who cause hurt

• take care of their physical health through proper nutrition, exercise and avoiding unnecessary risks

• try to understand and direct feelings, such as anger and vengeance against other people, that are likely to lead to fights and violence.

- it causes people to eg. neglect their health + abuse food

Commandments related to being in harmony within each other

1st- I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange gods before me

4th- Honour your father and mother

5th- You shall not kill

6th- You shall not commit adultery

7th- You shall not steal

8th- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour

Example of a Commandment that relates to harmony with others (1)

4th- Honour your father and mother

- primarily concerned with harmony and peace within family life and society

- calls children to fulfil responsibilities to parents + vice versa

- society has a responsibility to: protect and support marriage and the family, safeguard moral standards + promote family prosperity

- forbids behaviours by children that weaken harmony in the family (ie. disobedience/disrespect)

- forbids parents from ie. neglecting the needs of their children

Example of a Commandment that relates to harmony with others (2)

8th- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour

- real harmony requires trust between people

- calls all people to be truthful in their words and deeds

- forbids, for eg: damaging the reputation of others through calumny, lying + lying under oath, boasting etc.

Commandment related to being in harmony with the rest of creation

7th- You shall not steal

- calls people to respect:

• the integrity of creation

• the environment and its laws

• the needs of future, as well as the present generation, to use the mineral, vegetable and animal resources of the earth

- people weaken this by being greedy, hence it forbids:

• exploiting the resources of the earth without giving due concern to the needs of others of present or future generations

• unnecessary cruelty to animals

• environmental degradation and pollution

How does Jesus restore these relationships through the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

- The foundation for true justice is each person's personal relationship with God

- Jesus gave the Church the Sacrament of Reconciliation so that baptised people who sin can receive God's forgiveness and restore their relationship with God.

- People can strengthen this relationship further through daily prayer, Sunday Mass, and by trying to live as Jesus taught

- also restores the other relationships needed for true justice

What are the basic human needs that a person requires for their development?

food and clothing, housing, health care, basic education, employment and social assistance

What are the six basic requirements for human life and development

- physical potential (height, sporting etc.)

- social potential (develop strong relationships)

- intellectual potential (intelligence, schooling)

- emotional potential (love selflessly)

- spiritual potential (provides the inner spiritual strength needed to rise above personal challenges and difficulties)

- religious potential (potential to respond to God)

How has God provided for the needs of humanity?

- God intends that everyone should reach their full potential hence God created:

• the resources of the earth (creation- food, water, beauty in nature)

• human society.

How do people assist each other in developing as human beings?

- God intended to provide for the needs of every human being through others, through parents, spouses, family members, friends and wider society

- Of the four harmonies of God's original justice the harmony between people affects the development of human beings in important ways

- people are able to recognise the basic elements they share to work together in their development

- eg. teacher helps students to grow intellectually

What is the 'Principle of the Universal Destination of Goods'?

- God's intention that every human being draw from the resources of the earth for their basic needs

- God intends human beings to have from the earth's resources what they need to live

- if someone is lacking a basic necessity, they are entitled to take that from the surplus of another who has more than what they need

- the better off are obliged to give to the needy

- where the PUDG seems to be in conflict with the God-given right to own property, the first principle must prevail- the earth existed before private property

What are the corporal works of mercy?

- Actions required of all Christians to meet the needs of all people

- Feeding the hungry, giving a drink to the thirsty, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, visiting the imprisoned and burying the dead

- Jesus focussed especially on giving money or alms to those people in need

- these apply even if a person has financial/material ambitions, as giving to the poor should be factored in first

How did Jesus teach his followers about the corporal works of mercy?

- Through two parables of the Parable of the Last Judgement and the Parable of the Rich Man and the Beggar

- Jesus warned that those who fail to provide for the needy from any surplus that they have beyond their own needs will be condemned

Parable of the Rich Man and the Beggar

the rich man does nothing while alive to help Lazarus, a poor beggar, and when he dies the rich man goes to Hell whilst Lazarus goes to Heaven. While in Hell the rich man asks Abraham for some relief and he is declined, in the same way that he did nothing to help Lazarus

How does the Eucharist nourish Jesus' Followers' commitment to the poor?

- When people receive Jesus in Holy Communion he draws them into deeper relationship where they are more influenced by his attitudes

- Jesus deepens love for the poor in those who receive him as Jesus grew up in a poor family and truly loves and cares for the poor

Purpose of communities

- To develop their potential, people need others. They cannot develop socially without communities or societies

- to provide for the needs of the individuals who belong to it

- includes giving and receiving

- also organisations/associations that contribute to the lives of members of the wider society

Social justice organisations

- Church organisations are formed as a result of the action of the Holy Spirit moving members to join together to contribute to helping those in need

- assist poor people in many ways, by providing eg: • financial assistance • food, shelter and clothing

- assist people with special needs eg. the homeless/disabled/elderly

Caritas and their works

Eg. Project Compassion: Reaching more than 40 countries in over 100 villages and camps, the number of patients Project Compassion has treated exceeds 250,000: including disaster relief to those afflicted in the recent hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis.

What is Catholic Social Teaching?

Based on the:

- Universal Destination of Goods

- Common Good:

- the three Principles of social justice:

• the dignity of every person to be respected (treat everyone as 'another self')

• every human being to be treated equally, regardless of differences

• that people should support each other in solidarity. ('pitching in' to share the material/spiritual goods Christ has given for the benefit of all with others)

How does the Church respond to Jesus' call to promote social justice?

-the Holy Spirit moves members to join together to contribute to helping those in need.

There are organisations at national, state, diocesan and parish levels.

A variety of Church organisations assist poor people in many ways, by providing:

• financial assistance • food, shelter and clothing

• advice and counselling about employment opportunities, forms of government assistance and training that might be available to them.

How do the social teachings of the Church promote justice?

- Where the common good is exercised, the dignity and diversity of every person is respected where people can support each other in solidarity.

- through this the needs of all people are catered for and hence everyone is able to live in true peace.

- When people recognise they share needs with others, they begin to exercise equality, as everyone is working towards the same goal.

- Hence, justice is displayed, as people live in a harmonious relationship with themselves, others, creation and in turn God.

How is the Church the body of Christ?

- through the thoughts/feelings that the Spirit stirs in their conscience, each baptised person is led to believe and is drawn together with other baptised people into a visible body.

- since earliest times, this body has been called the 'Body of Christ'

- the spirit is the invisible one who binds all the members of the Church who create this visible body

- the Church will continue until the end of time

Why is Christ the head of the Church?

3 reasons:

1. He is risen and remains always present with Church members 'And look, I am with you always; yes, to the end of time' (Matthew)

2. He shares the Holy Spirit with members of his Church through Baptism (in turn, guiding/strengthening his members)a

3. Members of the Church become part of the Body of Christ by converting to him and receiving Baptism.

Why is there diversity within the Body of Christ?

- any baptised Christian is a member of the Body of Christ whether they Catholic or not.

- though all are members of the Body of Christ, Christian Churches differ in their beliefs about how Jesus makes it possible for Christians to experience God + about some of Jesus' teachings (ie. Eucharist)

- these disagreements mean that there is diversity within the Body of Christ today

what are the four qualities of the church?

The four qualities of the Church are that as a community it is:

• One

• Holy

• Catholic

• Apostolic.

what does being One Church mean?

- means that it is single, united and a global church with its basis on Jesus Christ and the spirit (which works to unite all members of the church)

- the spirit does this by gifting responsive baptised believers with charity and faith (especially through sacraments, apostles creed, the church's magisterium)

- foundation of the Church's unity derives from all its members sharing the one fellowship in the Holy Spirit through Baptism

- for most Christians, Pentecost represents the birthday of the Church, signified by the descent of the Holy Spirit on gathered disciples (ie. when the church becomes united and one)

- hours before His death, Jesus prayed that all believers would "be one" (John)- God always intended for there to be only one church

what does being a Holy Church mean?

The Church is holy because:

1. Jesus its Head is holy.

2. the Holy Spirit whom Christ shares with each baptised member is holy.

- the holiness of Christ and the Spirit will always prevent the Church from collapsing (ie. members breaking Gods laws): It is them who stirred the renewal of the Church after corruption

- members have always been able to draw on the strength and holiness of JC + HS + gifts of the sacraments, empowering them to keep God's laws

- JC + HS empower believers to grow in holiness.

- Love + other qualities that reflect their likeness to God are strengthened. They become 'holy' as God is holy.

what does being a Catholic Church mean?

- 'catholic' = 'universal'

- church is catholic in a double sense:

1. it is catholic because wherever Jesus is, so too, is the Catholic Church, JC gives his followers the means of salvation through the Church, calling them to form their consciences to do good + to deepen their spiritual gifts

2. because the mission of the Church is to the whole of the human race. Christ gave the members of the Church the task of spreading his Gospel 'universally'

what does being an Apostolic Church mean?

- it is founded on the Apostles and shares the gifts and mission received from Jesus through the Apostles.

- It continues to be served by the successors of the Apostles, the Pope and bishops.

- Ephesians 2:19-22. Paul explains that the "household of God"—the church—is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets"

How is the Church the universal sacrament of salvation?

- sin destroyed God's original plan for humanity to live in harmony and close relationships with God + each other and ever since, God has resolved to restore his plan+ therefore planned the Church

- The Church is like a sacrament for it is a visible sign and expression of the invisible actions of God and helps free people from sin + shares the HS just as Baptism does

- When people see Church members gathering (Mass) they see a body of people=a sign of the invisible reality that these people are in spiritual union with Christ.

- Catholics all over the world are a sign of Jesus drawing together people of all nationalities, bringing them closer to God and to each other.

- It is a sign and an instrument of Christ bringing union between God and individuals + between the peoples of the earth, to the extent that each is in union with God.

Apostles Creed

Catholics express their belief in these central teachings about the qualities of the Church when they pray The Apostles' Creed. The Apostles' Creed is an early formulation of the Church's basic belief dating from the time of the Apostles.

Nicene Creed

The first uniform Christian doctrine. The Nicene Creed is even more specific as to the characteristics of the Church. It concludes:I believe in one, holy, catholic and Apostolic Church. The Nicene Creed was formulated by the first Council of Nicaea in 325, affirming that Jesus was True God and True Man.

How did the Holy Spirit aid the growth of the Church?

- since Jesus returned to heaven after the Resurrection, the HS has been moving baptised Christians to spread the Gospel

- HS has been guiding people through their consciences to live God's law and to seek out what is true/good in order to transform the world and do the will of God.

- under the guidance of the HS, the Church began in what are now modern Israel and Palestine, spreading across the earth, calling people to become members so they can be more united to Christ + with others of every culture and race

What are the five contexts that the growth and expansion of the Church can be categorised under?

five geographical and historical contexts:

- in Jerusalem

- beyond Jerusalem to Israel and Palestine

- across the Roman Empire

- during the period of 'Christendom'

- expansion beyond Europe.

1. The Church's growth in Jerusalem- key events, key people, how the Church grew

- 30AD: the first story of the Spirit stirring the expansion of the Church (stirring the Apostles to invite others to join the church) is the story of Pentecost itself

- the spirit attracted many by a sound like violent wind where the Apostles were gathered, empowered the Apostles to speak in the languages of different nations, moved many to believe and become members of the Church + gave the power to work miracles (eg. Peter cured a cripple outside a Temple)

- Peter then preached to the crowds attracted by this miracle, telling them that it was the faith of JC that healed the cripple, causing many to believe + to be baptised

2. The Church's expansion beyond Jerusalem to Israel and Palestine- key events, Philip, how the Church grew

- 33-34AD: no. of Christians in Jerusalem had grown under the Spirit to the extent that the Jewish religious leaders began to plan their destruction (1st official persecution of Christians for their beliefs)

- Saint Stephen was the first death/martyr + then many Christians escaped Jerusalem to other towns, beginning to bring others to conversion.

Key people included:

- Philip: proclaimed the Gospel, worked miracles, drove unclean spirits from people, cured paralytics/cripples, baptised + confirmed many with the fullness of the HS (eg. angel told him to convert an Ethiopian man while travelling)

2. The Church's expansion beyond Jerusalem to Israel and Palestine- Who was Paul and how did he help the Church grow?

- another person who invited others to Christianity was Paul/Saul

- originally a great persecutor of Christians, approving the stoning of St. Stephen

- on a journey to persecute Christians in Damascus, Saul had a vision of Jesus, who personally called Saul to become a member of his Church

- saul was immediately moved by the Spirit to begin inviting other Jews to become members of the Church. He preached the Gospel, upset the Jewish leaders to the extent that they plotted to kill him + had to escape by being lowered from the city wall in a basket

- changed his name to Paul, marking his new lifestyle

- he went on three journeys to proclaim the Gospel + the Church began to spread to other cities and countries.

- Paul was arrested in Jerusalem where Jewish leaders tried to assassinate him and was tried in Rome where he was beheaded around 68AD

2. The Church's expansion beyond Jerusalem to Israel and Palestine- Paul's First journey

- 46-49AD

- modern Cyprus, Turkey and Syria, setting out from Antioch and visiting places such as Salamis, Paphos and then returned by sea to Seleucia and Antioch, going back to Jerusalem later.

- During his journey, he:

• healed a cripple in Lystra

• stopped the people thinking he was a god

- The Spirit stirred in many the faith needed to join the Church.

2. The Church's expansion beyond Jerusalem to Israel and Palestine- Paul's Second journey

- approximately 49-53AD

- Paul's second journey in response to the Holy Spirit was through modern Syria, Turkey and Greece, visiting places such as Celicia, Derbe, Lystra.

- During this journey, Paul:

• was imprisoned in Philippi, when an earthquake occurred

• preached to his jailer and his family

• received the jailer and his family into the Church

2. The Church's expansion beyond Jerusalem to Israel and Palestine- Paul's Third journey

- approximately 53-58AD

- the Spirit then moved Paul to preach in new towns in the countries he had already visited (eg. Antioch, Galatia)

- more people were converted to Christ and became members of the Church.

- in Ephesus (Greek city), Paul preached and taught God's laws in a 'synagogue' (Jewish place of worship) + after 2 years of preaching with much dislike, many converted where the Spirit worked many miracles through Paul (eg. casting of demons out of people)

- many tried to cast out demons powerfully like Paul but were not filled with the HS like him so the demons treated the men violently

3. The Church's spread across the Roman Empire- key events, key people, how the Church grew

- during early centuries of the Church, the Roman Empire was largely at peace due to Emperor Augustus conquering political rivals for the leadership of Rome, defeating Mark Antony in 31BC

- although provided with many entertainments (ie. stadiums), many sought answers to their HHQ + many religions sought to provide these answers

- there were signs people were seeking to do good and their consciences wanting to do the will of God

- people were attracted also by the message of salvation through JC, the power of love Christians showed to everyone where they began to support the poor, sick, infirm and disabled

- they were also attracted by moral teachings Christians lived (eg. every individual had personal dignity + was loved by God)

- the Christian religion answered peoples' HHQ

3. The Church's spread across the Roman Empire- the persecutions

- many Emperors became unhappy with the growth of Christianity and began persecutions which would continue for 200 yrs

- 64AD= first official persecution during the reign of Nero who exploited public opinion

- 3rd century= most severe persecutions: christians cared for the needy which highlighted the gov's neglect so Emperor Severus issued an edict forcing governors across the Empire to persecute anyone who wouldn't worship Roman gods (many saints suffered martrydom ie. St. Felicity)

- 303AD= most terrible persecution of the Church as a result of a decree of the Emperor Diocletian affecting Christians across Europe and a 2nd decree which cruelly killed bishops, priests and deacons

3. The Church's spread across the Roman Empire- Emperor Constantine

- Constantine became the emperor of the West after conquering his rival Maxentius in 312AD, attributing his victory to the Christian God

- 312AD= the persecution started by Diocletian was finally stopped after the Eastern Emperor Maximinus Daia bowed to pressure from Constantine

- 313AD= Religious freedom was given to Christians in the Edict of Milan

- over following yrs, Constantine for eg.: lavished donations on the Church, and built great churches, modified law to make it consistent with Christian moral values

- 324AD= Constantine defeated the Licinius who had begun another persecution of Christians in defiance of the Edict of Milan and then became sole emperor of the East and the West

3. The Church's spread across the Roman Empire- The First Ecumenical Council + how The Spirit moved Christians' consciences

- 325AD= Constantine called all bishops to resolve the issue of what the nature of Jesus was

- the bishops met in Nicaea, becoming the Council Of Nicaea which then became the first Ecumenical Council (of the whole church) + created the Nicene Creed

- the faith of Christians wouldnt stop as the HS within their consciences caused them to live publicly and move away from towns of persecution and as many were curious as to why people being persecuted wouldnt give up their religion

4. Growth of the Church during the period of 'Christendom'- key events, key people, how the Church grew

- the boundaries of the Roman Empire set in the 2nd century AD (northern=Britain+Rhine, southern= Sahara desert+mtns of Africa, east=Syria, west=Atlantic ocean)

- gradually the western half of the Empire came under pressure from german tribes, economic resources were used as defence

- 378= Goths massacred Roman imperial forces+ Emperor Valens killed in battle

- now tribes could move within the Empire

- Rome was plundered + looted in 410 AD + the Empire divided between the germanic tribes

- The Popes realised the tribes were the reality with which they had to live + knew the Church's mission was to convert them

- key people= Clovis, Pope St Gregory I, Charlemagne

4. Growth of the Church during the period of 'Christendom'- Clovis

- Clovis was a Frank leader

- 486AD= Clovis defeated ruler of modern France causing change, he established himself as king of all Gallic territory north of the Loire River

- married a Christian princess and was baptised in 496AD

- Christians and bishops supported Clovis as he proceeded to conquer other areas

4. Growth of the Church during the period of 'Christendom'- Pope St Gregory I

- 590AD= Pope Gregory I, also called Gregory the Great, was elected

- gave new force to the conversion of Europe rulers

- was a monk, sending other monks to establish monasteries throughout Europe (eg. sent a Benedictine monk, St Augustine of Canterbury, to England after seeing young men being sold at slave markets)

- monks had spread throughout Europe, sharing the life of rural peasants while strengthening those Catholic communities that were weak in Celtic lands

4. Growth of the Church during the period of 'Christendom'- Christendom

- after Charles the great was crowned Emperor, the Western Roman Empire gradually converted to Christianity and became known as 'Christendom'

- Christendom is about a Church suffering at the hands of military conquerors while the HS moved followers of Christ to preach the Gospel

- boundaries of Christendom continued to grow from the 6th-14th centuries

- tribes continued to be converted, Christianity being adopted as official religion of many areas including Russia

- the Great Schism divided medieval Christendom into Greek branches (Eastern Orthodox) and Latin branches (Roman Catholic)

- tension between these 2 continue today as they have different outlooks causing a split along doctrinal, political + geographical lines

5. The Church's growth beyond Europe- key events, key people, how the Church grew

- In the second millennium the HS guided Christ's followers to carry the good news beyond Europe to new communities. The Church grew to become an important part of the new world order.

- 16th century=dawn of the 'Age of Discovery': age of Henry the Navigator (explored previously unknown areas of the African coast) and Christopher Columbus (discoverer of America)

- as explorers opened up new areas of the world, Christian missionaries sought to travel with them to proclaim the Gospel to all nations. Henry established missions in Africa, and Columbus brought missionaries to the Americas.

5. The Church's growth beyond Europe- Africa

- 1849= David Livingstone (a missionary) penetrated Africa seeing if it was suitable for migration, arousing other missionaries to become interested in Africa

- 1868= Society of Missionaries of Africa founded

- many other missionaries were established after this however many Christians faced torture + martydom

- Over the years, more Ugandans converted to Christianity so that by 1914, there were 150,000 converts

- The Church in North, East and West Africa rapidly expanded with millions of new members over the twentieth century.

- The Church in Africa still has the strongest growth rate of the whole Church.

5. The Church's growth beyond Europe- The US

- 3 dioceses were established in North America as early as 1511.

- the Jesuits, Franciscans, and Capuchins were the 3 earliest missionaries in the US who proclaimed the Gospel to Native American Indians

- The influence of these missionaries extended from Florida to California in the modern United States.

- Within fifty years, there were sixteen American dioceses in thirteen states. The Church continued to grow in the United States, particularly with the immigration of Catholics from other countries.

5. The Church's growth beyond Europe- Australia

- The Church in Australia began with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788

- Of the 1,044 convicts who arrived, 316 of them were Catholics who continued to keep their faith alive

- 1820= priests arrived to minister toCatholics in the colony

- 1838= the Sisters of Charity were 1st religious order to set up communities to work with the people

- after World War II, the Catholic population was boosted significantly by migrants

- By end of the century over 1/4 of the population was Catholic

5. The Church's growth beyond Europe- How does the Church continue to grow today?

- since the time of the Apostles, followers of Jesus have fulfilled his command to spread his Gospel to 'all nations'

- followers have recognised the thoughts and feelings stirred by the Spirit through their consciences and empowered by it

- the Church continues to spread in the world today by the Spirit stirring the consciences of people everywhere to seek out what is good and do the will of God.

What are some examples of religious orders and lay movements that have renewed the Church?

- The Spirit stirred 'saints' to establish religious orders where the members could live with a renewed spirit of Christ-like poverty + to overcome the difficulties of living Christian lives

Examples include: The Franciscans, The Poor Clares, The Dominicans and The Cistercians

The Franciscans

- In 1206 St Francis recognised, through the Holy Spirit, the call to rebuild the Church.

- 1209= St Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscan order

- The Franciscans sought to return to the life of the early Church, following the example of Jesus and his first disciples.

- One of the most famous events in St Francis' life was when he renounced all wealth before the Bishop of Assisi, symbolically leaving behind even his clothes.

The Poor Clares

-In 1212 the Poor Clares, a religious Order for women, was founded by St Clare of Assisi, a close friend and supporter of St Francis.

- Inspired by the spirit of St Francis, the Poor Clares also follow the ideal of poverty of spirit.

- They do not preach, but live lives of contemplative prayer and mentaland manual work.

- St Clare was canonised in 1255.

What is a reformation?

- refers to the division of European Christianity into Catholic and Protestant, and the changes that resulted from this division

- there were many causes to the Church experiencing this upheaval and renewal, through the Protestant and Catholic Reformations

What were the key events/people that caused this upheaval and renewal in the Church?

- The Great Schism (Schism of the West or the Reformation)

- The decline of the Papacy

- Martin Luther

- John Calvin

- King Henry VIII

- The Council of Trent

The Western/Great Schism

- strange period of history with three "popes"

- in 1309, Pope Pope Clement V moved the papacy to the French Archdiocese of Avignon at the insistence of the French King

- Pope Gregory XII died in 1378 and Pope Urban VI, was elected by the cardinals where the cardinals announced that Pope Urban's election was invalid so elected Pope Clement VII

- This led to great confusion, for both popes were considered by different parties to be the legitimate successor of St Peter.

- In 1409, the cardinals attempted to re-solve the situation by calling the Council of Pisa. The Council attempted to depose both Popes to elect a new Pope, Pope Alexander V

- there were three claimants to the succession of St Peter when, in reality, there could be only one.

- By 1418 anti-Pope John XXII had been removed, Pope Gregory had resigned, and anti-Pope Benedict had fled and the Great Schism was over

Impact of the Great Schism

- caused a serious decline in the standing and influence of the papacy.

- Corruption again grew in the Church.

- Church titles were sold to raise money, and the clergy often lived immoral and greedy lives.

- efforts of Pope Martin and later Popes to bring about reform were undermined by many rulers

- Popular dissatisfaction was widespread and anti- clericalism flourished.

Protestant Reformation

- A religious movement of the 16th century that began as an attempt to reform the Roman Catholic Church and resulted in the creation of Protestant churches.

- 1517- Martin Luther protested against Church corruption, created his own theology rejecting Catholic beliefs leading to establishment of the Lutheran Church in Germany

- 1541- John Calvin a French Protestant created another Church rejecting everything that was not found explicitly in the Bible

- 1534- King Henry VIII of England broke with Rome and founded the Church of England which became the official religion in England, around 350 Catholics who refused to give up their Catholic faith were martyred

The Council of Trent

- in 15th century there was need for another response within the Church to the corruption that was affecting it

- Individuals and movements were led through their consciences by the HS to restore the Church

- The greatest force for reforming the Church at this time was the Council of Trent. This Council was called by Pope Paul III

- The Council of Trent renewed Catholic beliefs, the celebration of the Mass and the sacraments, the training of priests and the responsibilities of Bishops. It made laws that addressed the areas of Church corruption.

- the council caused the Catholic Reformation

How did the Church respond to the upheaval and renewal caused by the Western Schism, The Protestant Reformation and the Council of Trent?

-The Council of Trent renewed Catholic beliefs, the celebration of the Mass and the sacraments, the training of priests and the responsibilities of Bishops. It made laws that addressed the areas of Church corruption.

The Great Schism caused a serious decline in the standing and influence of the papacy. Corruption again grew in the Church. Church titles were sold to raise money, and the clergy often lived immoral and greedy lives.

council of trent - Diocesan priests began to live in community, though without vows. One of the great reforming Popes, Paul IV, had been a member of such a community.

What are some examples of how the Holy Spirit renews the Church?

- overcoming the age of enlightenment about human reason that rejected many religious beliefs and religious authority and caused people to leave the church

- moving members to establish religious orders and lay movements

- the ecumenical movement

- moving Pope John XXIII to establish the Second Vatican Council

- moved people through their consciences to renew the Church by ie. working against corruption, challenging leaders, including Popes, developing further the teachings of the Church

Examples of religious orders/lay movements established

- people in the Church were inspired to found new religious congregations to serve those in need, including the educational and health needs of the poor

In WA many of these congregations can be found:

- the Mercy and St John of God Sisters founded by Catherine McAuley and Mother Visitation Clancy

- he Marist and Christian Brothers founded by St Marcellin Champagnat and Blessed Edmund Rice

- Mary MacKillop founded the Sisters of St Joseph to teach young Australians

- Lay movements also began to care for the poor and needy, eg. St Vincent de Paul

- Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903) published a now famous encyclical on the conditions of working people, called Rerum Novarum where he claimed for the Church the right to promote justice at all levels of society

Ecumenism

- The movement to restore unity among all Christians and to bring separated Christian Churches together

- Churches recognised that they have much in common while there still remain important areas of sincere disagreement that need to be resolved (eg. role of pope)

- Shared sufferings in the struggle for justice and peace led to greater closeness between Catholics and other Christians.

The Second Vatican Council

- the greatest event of the HS renewing the Church

- in 1958 Pope John XXII was elected as pope who revealed he was moved by the HS to call the Second Vatican Council

- he opened the Council in 1962 where approx 2500 bishops from all over the world participated

- Its purpose was to renew the whole Church so that it could play the role Christ intended for his Church in the modern world

- This is an example of the constant movement of the Holy Spirit towards renewing the Church so that it can be what God wants it to be

- Pope John XXIII recognised all the good in the world as the action of the Holy Spirit

Changes of the Second Vatican Council

- the Second Vatican Council was very different to the Council of Trent as it was calling for reform of how the Church engaged with the whole of the modern world not just Europe

- the Council produced 16 documents that have changed the Church radically, even though their implementation has not been completed.

Changes that Catholics have experienced include for eg:

- the Mass and the sacraments being celebrated in the language of the people

- the Church being seen as the sign of Christ's presence in the world, and not primarily an institution

- recognition that the Church is made up of all who have received Baptism, and not simply bishops, priests and religious

What is commonly understood by the term conscience?

A "voice" that tells one to consider what is right or wrong (ie. angel and devil)

How is conscience from a Catholic perspective understood?

-The source of all human goodness is human nature as created by God.

- People are moved from within to love and to do good. Human conscience is the gift that recognises this stirring.

- Conscience is a person's most 'secret core and sanctuary' as it is within conscience that a person can recognise echoes of the voice of God, the one whose image and likeness we are made, and can hear God speaking

How do people experience the call to goodness?

God calls people to become 'holy' by inspiring them through thoughts, words and actions that are good.

Examples are the personal experiences of:

• ideals

• being inspired by others

• feelings of guilt

• the desire for truth

• the call to love